Flipping Tables

Julie Sexton
  • 5.0 (41)
  • CHRISTIANITY
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

On this podcast, we're going to have great conversations. Every week we're going to dive into the gospels. Learning from Jesus through studying his words, encounters, and the way He walked out his mission. We will discover that there's probably some tables in our lives that need to be flipped and not just our sake…but for the sake of others….For the sake of the Kingdom mission.

  1. Anxiety, Panic, and the Faith That Held On

    JAN 20

    Anxiety, Panic, and the Faith That Held On

    Welcome to the table! My Guest: Kim Stolzfus is a college instructor at the University of Kentucky. Kim shares her powerful testimony—one marked by early religious confusion, people-pleasing, debilitating panic attacks, and seasons of profound hopelessness. Through it all, Jesus continually meets her, flips her assumptions about God, and draws her into freedom, purpose, and joy in His upside-down kingdom. This conversation is an honest exploration of what it looks like to bring our religious thinking to Jesus and allow Him to transform it—slowly, faithfully, and sometimes painfully—into true gospel freedom. In This Episode, You'll Hear: Kim's early experience with faith and how fear distorted her view of God How people-pleasing and anxiety shaped her spiritual life A pivotal gospel conversation with a Campus Crusade (Cru) leader named Adele Why hearing the gospel didn't immediately change everything—but planted a seed Kim's descent into severe panic attacks and hopelessness after college A season of suffering that led to surrender and renewed dependence on God How God answered prayers in unexpected (and unwanted) ways Kim's journey through graduate school, Washington D.C., and deep Christian community The power of Christian friendship, Bible study, and faithful presence How God now uses Kim's story in her work as a university professor Why faith the size of a mustard seed is more than enough  If you are walking through anxiety, fear, or despair—or if peace feels unfamiliar or even frightening—this episode is for you. Kim's story is a reminder to never give up, to cling to Jesus even when faith feels small, and to trust that God is always at work, even when we can't see it.   Thanks for listening! We'd love for you to share this episode with a friend.  Consider leaving a rating and review. It helps others find our podcast. Whether you've been following Jesus for years, are just getting started, or are simply considering it, you're invited to join us at the study table. Subscribe to my Table 2 Newsletter for updates and study reflections, and visit Flourish Ministry for free resources.

    1h 4m
  2. The Baptism of Jesus: A New Beginning

    JAN 13

    The Baptism of Jesus: A New Beginning

    In Episode 7, Twila and I slow down and sit with the baptism of Jesus in Matthew 3—a moment that marks both an ending and a beginning in God's story. As John the Baptist completes his role of preparing the way, Jesus steps into the waters of the Jordan, fully identifying with humanity and choosing obedience, even though He has no sin of His own. We talk about why Jesus insists on being baptized "to fulfill all righteousness," and how this moment launches His public ministry while revealing the heart of the kingdom of heaven. Together, we trace the Jordan River through Scripture—from creation, to Israel's wilderness journey, to this powerful scene where the Father speaks, the Spirit descends, and the Son stands in humility. This conversation invites us to reflect on wilderness seasons, waiting, and learning to trust God's timing. My prayer is that as we listen for God's voice in our own wilderness, we'll be equipped to bring hope, light, and belonging to others as we walk together in the way of the kingdom of heaven. Bible Text: Matthew 3:11–17 Whether you've been following Jesus for years, are just getting started, or are simply considering it, you're invited to join us at the study table. Thanks for listening! Subscribe to my Table 2 Newsletter for updates and study reflections, and visit Flourish Ministry for free resources and to learn more.

    39 min
  3. Matthew 3: Fruit in Keeping with Repentance

    JAN 6

    Matthew 3: Fruit in Keeping with Repentance

    In this episode, we gather at the table to explore Matthew 3 and the prophetic ministry of John the Baptist—a bold, table-flipping voice calling God's people to repentance and renewal. In this conversation we invite our listeners to begin the year with anticipation, humility, and openness to transformation. John's message is urgent: "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near." As Matthew's Gospel introduces this phrase, we unpack why Matthew speaks of the "kingdom of heaven," how John prepares the way for Jesus, and why repentance is more than behavior modification—it is a change of mind and direction that leads to a transformed life. We explore John's confrontation of the Pharisees and Sadducees and his call to "produce fruit in keeping with repentance." We reflect on the tension between salvation as a free gift and the lifelong journey of sanctification that follows. We discuss how repentance is not a one-time event, but an ongoing posture of confession, surrender, and renewal. Through personal stories, we also addresses influence, humility, and faithfulness without notoriety. John the Baptist's willingness to fade into the background becomes a model for resisting platform culture and trusting God with the outcome of our obedience. We share how confession, community, and even painful seasons can become places of deep redemption—where wounds are transformed into fruit for the kingdom. Matthew 3; 11:11-12 Psalm 130:7 Whether you've been following Jesus for years, are just getting started, or are simply considering it, you're invited to join us at the study table. Thanks for listening! Subscribe to my Table 2 Newsletter for updates and study reflections, and visit Flourish Ministry for free resources and to learn more.

    48 min
  4. Matthew 2: Exile, Grief, the Way of the Kingdom

    12/16/2025

    Matthew 2: Exile, Grief, the Way of the Kingdom

    Welcome to the table! In this Christmas-season episode, we continue sitting in Matthew 2 and invite Jesus to flip our tables as we linger with the hard parts of His story. We explore the families urgent flight to Egypt, Jesus as a refugee, and what this passage reveals about God's heart for the vulnerable. Matthew shows us how Jesus retraces Israel's story—yet succeeds where Israel failed—fulfilling Old Testament prophecy and revealing the unity of Scripture. We also confront the brutality of Herod, the grief of Bethlehem's mothers, and the truth that every life matters deeply to God. Finally, we reflect on Jesus growing up in despised Nazareth—a reminder that our Savior identifies with outsiders, the marginalized, and those looked down upon. This episode invites us to deepen our biblical literacy, embrace compassion, and follow Jesus in the way of the Kingdom of Heaven. Scripture Focus: Matthew 2:13-23 Other references: Hosea 11:1, Jeremiah 31:15, Genesis 50:20, Luke 1:26-27, John 1:46, Isaiah 11:1, 53:1-3 Women of Welcome Book: Start with Welcome by Bri Stensrud Whether you've been following Jesus for years, are just getting started, or are simply considering it, you're invited to join us at the study table. Thanks for listening! Subscribe to my Table 2 Newsletter for updates and study reflections, and visit Flourish Ministry for free resources and to learn more.

    46 min
  5. Matthew 2: The Way of the Kingdom (Part 1)

    12/09/2025

    Matthew 2: The Way of the Kingdom (Part 1)

    In this episode of Flipping Tables, Julie and Twila explore Matthew 2 and the arrival of the Magi, highlighting Bethlehem's deep biblical history and the prophetic signs surrounding Jesus' birth. They discuss who the Magi were, why Herod felt threatened, and what their extravagant worship teaches us today. This is Part 1 of a two-part conversation on Matthew 2. ✨ Bethlehem's Deep Story ✨ Understanding the Magi ✨ Herod the Great ✨ The Mysterious Star ✨ Extravagant Worship ✨ What are you giving Jesus for Christmas? How can we sacrificially worship Jesus during the busy holiday season? What gifts of time, attention, generosity, or obedience might we bring Him? How do we avoid squeezing Jesus out of His own celebration? Whether you've been following Jesus for years, are just getting started, or are simply considering it, you're invited to join us at the study table. Thanks for listening! Subscribe to my Table 2 Newsletter for updates and study reflections, and visit Flourish Ministry for free resources and to learn more.

    40 min
  6. Joseph and the Way of the Kingdom: When God Interrupts Your Plans

    12/02/2025

    Joseph and the Way of the Kingdom: When God Interrupts Your Plans

    In this episode, Julie and Kimberly continue their journey through Matthew in our series, The Way of the Kingdom of Heaven. Today, we step into one of the most surprising moments of the Gospel: Joseph's dream and his quiet, courageous obedience. We begin with a candid conversation about how we each respond to unexpected news — anxiety, problem-solving, and control. We discuss: Joseph's character: a young, just, compassionate man whose righteousness did not eclipse his mercy. The weight of the scandal: a pregnancy no one could explain, and the stigma Joseph quietly carried. The angel's message: the dream that redirected Joseph's entire life. God's adoptive love: how Joseph's story reveals the heart of the Father who brings us into His family. The clash of kingdoms: our plans vs. God's plan — and the invitation to walk in the way of the Kingdom of Heaven. Key Scriptures: Matthew 1:18–25, Galatians 4:4–7, Exodus 34:6–7 Whether you've been following Jesus for years, are just getting started, or are simply considering it, you're invited to join us at the study table. Thanks for listening! Subscribe to my Table 2 Newsletter for updates and reflections, and visit Flourish Ministry for free resources and to learn more.

    42 min
  7. The Family Tree of Jesus: Finding Hope in Our Messy Stories

    11/11/2025

    The Family Tree of Jesus: Finding Hope in Our Messy Stories

    Welcome to the table! In this episode, we're pulling up a chair to explore the family tree of Jesus — and what it reveals about God's heart for our own broken families. By getting to know the people in Jesus' genealogy, we discover that there's nothing in our stories too big for Him to redeem. Jesus understands our grief, our scandals, our trauma, and our mess. He gets it — because His own family line tells a story of grace breaking through generations of pain. Twila joins the conversation as we unpack Matthew's genealogy, written to prove that Jesus is both the Son of David and the Son of Abraham — the fulfillment of God's covenant promises. We'll see how Matthew intentionally includes women, Gentiles, and outsiders in the story of redemption, revealing that the gospel has always been radically inclusive. Scripture References: Matthew 1:1–16 2 Samuel 7 (The Davidic Covenant) Genesis 12, 15, 17 (The Abrahamic Calling and Covenants) Genesis 38 (Tamar's Story) Ruth 1:16; Ruth 4:12 Subscribe to my Table 2 Newsletter for updates and reflections, and visit Flourish Ministry for free resources and to learn more.

    46 min
  8. Introducing study of Matthew: The Way of the Kingdom of Heaven

    11/04/2025

    Introducing study of Matthew: The Way of the Kingdom of Heaven

    Welcome back to the table! It's been a minute since I've sat here doing what I love—talking about Jesus, the Table Flipper, and learning His table-flipping ways. In this episode, my co-host Kimberly Daniels joins me as we reflect on the unexpected turns our lives have taken this year. We're also launching a brand-new study: Matthew—The Way of the Kingdom of Heaven. Together, we're asking God to teach us the ways of His Kingdom through Matthew's unique perspective and personality. This episode is all about setting the tone for what's ahead in our study! Like Matthew, we each have our own "before and after" stories of following Jesus. Matthew went from being an insider, to an outsider, and then was brought back into the family of God—a story that mirrors the redeeming power of the gospel in all of us. Whether you've been following Jesus for years, are just getting started, or are simply considering it, you're invited to join us at the study table. Thanks for listening! Subscribe to my Table 2 Newsletter for updates and reflections, and visit Flourish Ministry for free resources and to learn more.

    32 min
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About

On this podcast, we're going to have great conversations. Every week we're going to dive into the gospels. Learning from Jesus through studying his words, encounters, and the way He walked out his mission. We will discover that there's probably some tables in our lives that need to be flipped and not just our sake…but for the sake of others….For the sake of the Kingdom mission.

Information

  • Creator
    Julie Sexton
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    118
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2023
  • Show Website
    Flipping Tables